Taking a Drive with Hawerchuk

On the 8th of July, 2016, I had the privilege of golfing with NHL Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk at Upper Canada Golf Course in Morrisburg, Ontario. For those of us who have played hockey, we understand how difficult it is to put up a point per game, whether we were playing house league, travelling team, or in the professionals. Hawerchuk impressively put up 1409 points in only 1188 games during his career, which spanned from 1981-1997. He spent most of his time with the Winnipeg Jets, but also played for the Buffalo Sabres for five years, the St. Louis Blues for a year, and wrapped up his career playing two years with the Philadelphia Flyers.

His impressive career actually first started in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he played with the Cornwall Royals. Putting up 103 points in his first year and 183 in his second (in only 72 games played), the team were QMJHL champions and also won the Memorial Cup in both 1980 and 1981 – and Hawerchuk took home QMJHL Rookie of the Year (in 1980), playoff MVP (1980), was the QMJHL Scoring Champion (1981), QMJHL Player of the Year (1981), Memorial Cup MVP (1981), and CHL Player of the Year (1981).

He carried his natural talent into the NHL (where he was drafted first overall), winning the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year in 1982. His accomplishments are too numerous to highlight here, but I will comment on two standout moments from his pedigree – his pair of Canada Cup Championships that he won in 1987 (often considered to be one of the best teams ever compiled) and 1991. To give you an example of the quality of the `87 team, Hawerchuk played with two hackers by the name of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Some may remember Hawerchuk winning the defensive zone face-off against the USSR in the closing moments of game three (Mark Messier was actually supposed to take the draw), which eventually led to Gretzky passing to Lemieux in one of hockey’s most famous goals. Here is the link to the iconic play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruloAuFazcg; watch the second replay to see Hawerchuk hook the only Russian player who could have caught Lemieux, providing his own ‘assist’ on the goal.

As for his favourite film, the current coach of the OHL Barrie Colts immediately had his top pick as well as his close second on his tongue. As for the runner-up, he not surprisingly referenced the iconic hockey movie Slap Shot, which he said he has watched countless times on buses during long road trips. As for number one, he selected the 1990s classic drama Shawshank Redemption. When asked why, he mentioned that it immediately grabbed his attention and that it has a little bit of everything – which draws him back in time and time again for repeat viewings (something he does not do with most films). As I’ve already reviewed the movie as part of another Star Pick, check it out here: http://filmizon.com/movie_reviews/get-busy-living/

Also, make sure to watch the interview below to find out all kinds of information on Hawerchuk, from his favourite player growing up and his top players that he watches in the NHL today, to insight on which goalie best had his number when he played in the NHL or who he most wanted to drop the gloves with. You will also hear him speak about Slap Shot and Shawshank Redemption. So, take a (slap) shot and watch Mr. Hawerchuk’s top picks, both are definitely worth an encore viewing.